Chan"cel (?), n. [OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L. cancelli lattices, crossbars. (The chancel was formerly inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See Cancel, v. t.] Arch. (a)
That part of a church, reserved for the use of the clergy, where the altar, or communion table, is placed.
Hence, in
modern use; (b)
All that part of a cruciform church which is beyond the line of the transept farthest from the main front.
Chancel aisle Arch., the aisle which passes on either side of or around the chancel. -- Chancel arch Arch., the arch which spans the main opening, leading to the chancel -- Chancel casement, the principal window in a chancel. Tennyson. -- Chancel table, the communion table.
© Webster 1913.